Tips For Success At Mercer

2008-2009
A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Effective Study Skills
Produced by the Office of Student Affairs
 Welcome to

You may be a recent high school graduate about to start your very first
college courses, a new transfer student, an older student beginning or returning
to school after many years, or a continuing student at Mercer. Regardless of
the courses you are enrolled in, you have something in common with every
other student at the college: You want to do your very best to achieve your
academic goals with a feeling of personal pride and accomplishment.
The faculty and staff at Mercer County Community College also want
you to succeed. We are here to assist and to encourage you in every way that
we can. As you follow the steps provided throughout this booklet, you will find
some practical ideas and suggestions to get you off to a good start – tips that you
can put to use quickly in order to achieve academic success.
1 Develop and exercise good study habits!
Stay awake. Listen. Start a study group. Make chapter outlines.
Find a way of reinforcing course material that works for you.
2 Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Start with your instructor. Get to know your program coordinator.
Check in with your Student Advocate. Visit the Learning Center
(FA129). Visit the Library.
3 Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Speak up in class. Contact your instructor outside of class.
4 Come Prepared!
Read all assigned readings before class. Make lists of questions to
ask during or after class. Be prepared to discuss the material in
class. Be ready for quizzes and exams. Have assignments ready
to turn in on time (and keep a copy for your records). Don’t miss
class simply because you don’t have your homework completed.
5 Come to class!
Try not to miss any classes. Develop a system of back-ups in
case your main system for childcare or transportation fails you. If
you do miss class, contact the instructor as soon as you can.
If you have any questions, or if you would like more help with academic
or personal problems, contact your instructors, your academic advisor or speak
with a counselor.

Good Luck . . .
and have a wonderful year at Mercer!
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 Manage your time more efficiently --
don’t let time manage you!
As a student at Mercer, you probably find yourself with many more
things to do and decisions to make than you have ever had before. You may
have to juggle a number of different responsibilities: job, family, studies, school
activities, your social life, and -- of course -- class attendance. Also, it will be
up to you to remember to turn in assignments on time, schedule meetings with
advisors, notify the college if you move, register for classes, and pay your tuition
on time.
All of this may sound confusing and like a lot of work, but here are
some simple steps to follow to help you plan and find the time to do it all:

Step 1. Use a calendar to plan your time.

s With a daily and weekly calendar, take time to schedule all of your
activities (Sample on page 3). Carry it with you at all times and
keep it current with all changes and new dates entered promptly.
s Write in the important dates for the semester -- exams and dates
when papers and other assignments are due.
s For each day of the week, fill in the hours when your classes meet,
when you have to work, and when you plan to do other things.
s Once a week, take a few minutes to review your schedule and plan
your time for the next week. Set aside time to study, to prepare for
classes, and to relax.
s Be reasonable in planning your time. Don’t try to cram too much
into your schedule. Once you know how much time you will
actually need for studying and for your job, then you can decide to
add other activities.

Step 2. Set priorities for each day.

s Each morning, perhaps while you’re eating breakfast, review your
daily schedule and make a list of what you need to do that day.
s Decide which things are most important and plan your day to be
sure those things get done.
• Enter important dates into your cell phone, Blackberry, PDA, or
planner.

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 Sample Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

8:00 am
DRESS AND EAT
9:00 am ENG 101 ENG 101 ENG 101
10:00 am PSY 101 IST 101 PSY 101 IST 101 PSY 101
11:00 am

12:00 am LUNCH
1:00 pm
STUDY WORK STUDY WORK STUDY
2:00 pm BIO 113 BIO 113 BIO 113
3:00 pm ACC 111 ACC 111 ACC 111 EIGHT HOURS
4:00 pm
OF STUDY
RELAX RELAX DISTRIBUTED AS
5:00 pm RELAX NEEDED AMONG
OR OR
6:00 pm
READ DINNER READ 5 COURSES
STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY RECRE-
7:00 pm
ATION
ENG. PSYCH. SCI. ACCTG. RECRE-
8:00 pm
ATION
9:00 pm LIBRARY STUDY ENG. STUDY RELAX
(REPORT) SCI. STUDY PSYCH.
10:00 pm RECREATION OR REVIEW CLASS NOTES
11:00 pm SLEEP

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Step 3. Stick to your schedule; don’t procrastinate.

s Don’t let the less important things in your schedule throw you off
course. If you’re having trouble getting started on an especially
difficult or unpleasant job, try:
-- giving yourself a deadline;
-- doing at least a little to get started. (Once you’ve actually
started, it won’t seem as hard as you thought);
-- breaking a big job into smaller parts;
-- doing it at the time of day when you have the most energy;
-- working with a partner.
s Don’t waste time “getting ready” to do things. Keep your class
materials together and your desk or study area ready at all times.
s Learn to say “NO” to distractions -- to friends and extra activities
that you don’t have time for.

Step 4. Use your planning to create good study habits and establish a
routine for getting things done.
If you want to learn more about good study habits, two good books to look
for are How to Get Control of Your Time and your Life, by Alan Lakein, and
Studying Smart, by Diana Scharf-Hunt.

It’s been proven that students who take a student success seminar, enroll in
study skills workshops and get involved in student activities are found to have
higher grade point averages and are more likely to graduate.

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 Get The Most Out Of Your Classes
A Word About Attendance...
The single most important factor in how well students do in college
is class attendance. Quite simply, if you’re not in class, your instructors can’t
teach you. Not all of the information you will need to know is in your books;
and the explanations faculty can give you may be the deciding factor for whether
or not you really learn and understand the materials. The best advice we can
offer is this:

Step 5. Never miss a single class unless it is absolutely unavoidable --

and be on time!

The first few classes of the semester are especially important. That’s
when your instructors will explain about your classes:
-- what they expect from you -- what you will be expected to
learn;
-- what the assignments are and when they are due;
-- when exams will be given and what kind they will be;
-- what the course requirements and objectives are;
-- how grades will be determined; and
-- how to contact your instructor.

This is also a time when instructors are beginning to learn who their
students are and what they are like. It is your chance to start off on the right
foot in order to be seen as a serious student by your teachers.

Step 6. Be an active learner:

Come prepared, and participate in class.

s Do all of your homework and complete it on time. By doing

this, you will avoid falling behind in each class, and you will be
able to get the most out of class discussions and lectures. This
is particularly true for math, science, accounting, technology, and
other courses in which you must master one level before you can
learn the next.
s Refresh your memory. Review your notes from the previous class
session to refresh your memory, and to see the direction the course
is taking.

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 s Participate actively in class. Sit near the front of the class, pay
attention, and join in class discussions and lectures.
s Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask your instructor to explain
any parts of your assigned reading, course requirements, or class
discussions that you don’t understand.
s Make appointments to see your instructors. If you need more
help, your instructors are ready to help you. Even if they can’t help
you, they can direct you to someone else who can. That’s part of
their job!
s A good time to make an appointment is during your instructors’
office hours. Office hours should be listed on their office doors.
Also, learn your instructors’ names.
s If you’ve missed a class, or if you know in advance that you will
have to miss a class, talk to your instructor. Find out what you’ve
missed and how you can make it up. Ask, “What can I do to make
up the class work?” rather than, “Did I miss anything?”

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 Improve Your Study Habits
It is a generally accepted rule-of-thumb that for every hour you spend
in class, you will need to spend at least two hours studying and preparing for
class. Of course, some classes will require more of your time, others less. To
help you use that time well, we have several suggestions:

Step 7. Techniques for studying effectively:

s Plan a daily schedule. Set up regular study times for each of your
classes – perhaps a couple of hours every morning and evening. Plan
your most difficult subjects for times when you have the most energy
and the least disruption. Remember to include time for long-term
assignments.
s Understand your assignments clearly. Know when each one is due.
If you aren’t sure about something, ask your instructor to explain it.
Do all of your assigned homework and don’t let late assignments
lower your grades.
s Try to see the “big picture.” As you study, try to see how information
you learn in the beginning of your courses provides the basis for
information that comes later. Once you see how facts and ideas fit
together and are related, you will find it easier to understand and
remember what you learn.
s Practice concentration. During your scheduled study times, make
every effort to concentrate. Locate a quiet area so that you don’t
become distracted. Don’t allow your mind to wander or daydream.
Also, try not to waste time preparing to study.
s Review class and reading notes. There is absolutely no substitute
for spending quality time reviewing what you have learned before
and after class. Be patient. Read, think about what you’ve read,
recite and review. Review class and reading material from previous
assignments at least once a week. When test and final exam times
come, you will be well prepared. You won’t have to spend time
relearning material from the beginning of the term.
s Remember to keep up with your assignments. If you fall behind,
it’s sometimes very difficult to catch up. Try not to worry about how
much or how little time other students spend studying. Every person
learns at his or her own pace.

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 Improve Your Reading Habits
Step 8. Techniques for reading effectively:
(Reading a textbook is different.)

s Preview your textbooks. Read the introduction, table of contents,

chapter headings and subheadings to see how the content is organized;
look for key themes.
s Skim each chapter before you read it, and
-- look at the introduction, headings, subtitles, graphs, charts,
diagrams, and any questions that are listed at the end;
-- use pictures, charts, diagrams, and graphs as a way to remember
information. Create your own visuals if it helps you.
s Make notes. Read the chapter, but while you’re reading:
-- write down important facts or ideas in your notebook;
-- make notes in the margin or highlight important words, phrases,
facts, etc. to make them easy to find;
-- stop every now and then and see if you can explain to yourself
what you’ve just read;
-- write down anything you don’t understand so you can ask about it
in class;
-- write down anything that sounds like a good test question -- and
the answer!
s Preview your notes and reread chapters to:
-- answer your own questions;
-- see how what you’ve read relates to the course outline and goals;
-- relate the information in the chapter to your class notes and what
you read in earlier chapters.
s Don’t fall behind in your assignments; in fact, try to read ahead
whenever possible.

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 Take Better Class Notes
Step 9. Practice good organization in taking notes.

s Keep a separate notebook for each course. You may want to

attach the course syllabus to the inside cover of the notebook.
s Do assigned readings before class. This will help you to know
which information is most important and which you’ll need to
clarify in class. Make good use of your daily schedule.
s Take good lecture notes. Don’t try to write down everything your
instructor says. Instead, listen carefully and take note of:
-- key words, phrases, definitions;
-- ideas that are repeated and emphasized;
-- ideas and facts important enough to be written on the board;
-- examples and ideas that tie facts together.
s Try to organize your notes as an outline. Less important facts
should be indented under more important ones; OR write major
topic headings on the left side of the page, and notes about the
topic on the right.
s Allow sufficient writing space. Leave wide margins or extra
space so that you can write in extra information, your own
comments, and references to your assigned reading.
s Make use of index cards. As you take notes, listen for things that
sound like good test questions and jot them down in the margins.
Later, you may want to put them on 3” x 5” cards that you can
use (along with the questions you wrote down while reading your
textbook) to prepare for tests.
s Study your notes. As soon as you can, after your class is over,
review your notes to be sure you understand them. If you think
you missed something, check with another student or with your
teacher. You may also find that recopying your notes helps you to
understand the material better -- it’s also a good way to study your
notes.
Whether you simply review your notes or recopy them, use a marker
or underline to highlight especially important facts, ideas, and possible test
questions so you can find them easily.

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 Develop Your Test-Taking Skills
Taking tests and exams is an important part of college life. Tests give
you and your instructor a reliable way to measure how well you are learning the
material -- and they may determine what your final grade will be. You want to do
well on your tests, and there are a number of steps you can take that will definitely
help you to do your best.

Step 10. Prepare for testing.

Before the Test

s Make a test schedule at least one week in advance.
s Avoid cramming. Don’t wait for the last minute to begin studying.
“Cramming” may help some students, but most information learned
this way is quickly forgotten and seldom understood. Be sure
you know what material the test will cover -- if in doubt, ask your
instructor.
s Review your class and study notes. No matter how often you’ve
reviewed them before, it’s worth looking at them again to refresh your
memory. Review your notes for possible test questions.
s Review previous tests. Ask your instructor if tests from previous
semesters are available for you to look at. Reviewing old tests will
give you an idea of what the test will be like.
s Study for the test with other students, and
-- help each other understand the material;
-- ask each other practice questions;
-- talk to your instructor about information you still don’t
understand.

s Get a good night’s sleep before the exam or test so you can think
clearly. Do your best on the day of the exam.

On the Day of the Test or Exam

s Arrive early. Get to class early enough to relax and get organized.
Bring everything you will need for the test -- pencils, pens, calculators,
etc.
s Try to relax. Stay calm and listen carefully to all instructions,
especially those about how much time you should spend on each
question.

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 s Quickly review the entire test first to see what the questions are like
and what instructions you will need to follow. If you don’t understand
something about the test, ask your instructor.
s Read instructions carefully for each question so you know exactly
what is being asked. Pay attention to key words such as some, all, never,
and always. Don’t try to read something into the questions that isn’t there.
Make a tentative decision about how much time you can afford to spend
on each question.
s Do easy questions first. Don’t get bogged down by questions you don’t
understand or that are difficult. Put a mark next to those questions and
do the easy questions first, taking your time so you don’t make careless
errors. You can go back to the difficult questions later. Many students
tell us that after they have done the easier questions, they feel confident
and relaxed enough to tackle the harder ones; and sometimes, the other
questions provide clues that are helpful.
s Read objective test items carefully. On multiple-choice and true-and-
false tests, be sure to read all the items carefully before deciding on the
best answer. Avoid reading things into test items, and look for the best
answer.
s On Essay Exams...
-- Think about the questions and briefly outline your answer before you
begin writing;
-- Don’t spend too much time on this, but know what you want to say and
how you will cover the important points;
-- Use examples and facts from class discussions and assigned reading;
-- Make sure you answer the questions thoroughly. If you omit any
portion of the questions, your instructor will assume you do not know
the answer;
-- Be neat; use standard English grammar, and proofread what you’ve
written.
s And For All Tests...
-- Review your answers at the end of the test/exam.
-- Leave time to review your answers before you turn in your test. Check
to make sure you haven’t forgotten to answer any of the questions.

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When Your Graded Test Is Returned
Tests may determine your grade, but they can also help you learn
more. Look at the questions you had wrong. Try to understand why you
missed them, and make a point of learning the correct answers before
the next test. Once again, ask your instructor for help if you need it; or
make an appointment with your instructor to discuss what you are having
trouble with, and get some suggestions for how you can improve.
Don’t be discouraged. Realize that reaching a goal is not always
without setbacks. Keep your energy focused positively.

Using the Testing Center

The Academic Testing Center is located in LA216 (ext. 3295) at
the West Windsor Campus and KC311 (ext. 6695) at the James Kerney
Campus. To gain access to the Testing Center, students must present a
valid MCCC I.D.

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 Maintain A Positive Attitude For
Success
Students who succeed at college do so because they have a positive attitude.
They realize that no college or curriculum is perfect. Students who succeed value
their education and look for opportunities and services to enrich their lives. When
they experience times of doubt and discouragement, they do not concentrate on
negative feelings. Your attitude will affect your entire college experience. To be
successful, keep it positive!
s Take control of your own life’s direction and success. You alone are
responsible for how well you do at Mercer. Know what you must do
to succeed in each class and stick to it!
s Develop the personal determination, persistence and strong work
habits needed for success in school and in life. Always keep trying,
believe in your own abilities and use every assignment and test/exam
as an opportunity to demonstrate your capability.
s Find out what your options are if you are having problems. If
you feel overwhelmed, don’t suddenly stop attending classes. Never
hesitate to ask for help and information from your instructor, counselor,
division chairperson or dean. Admitting that you have a problem and
asking for help will not be held against you; rather, it may be the single
most important step you take toward guaranteeing your own future
success.
s Maintain a balance between your study hours and work hours, if
you must work while attending Mercer. In general, full-time students
-- those taking 12 or more credits -- should not work more than 20
hours a week. Try to schedule your work hours so they don’t conflict
with your classes and study times. Remember to allow yourself some
leisure time also!
s Register early each semester so you can arrange your academic
schedule to make juggling your job and classes as easy as possible.
Members of your family may not understand the new demands your
college courses will place on you. Try to work out your schedule in
advance and share it with your family.
s You have made a smart decision by enrolling as a student at
Mercer. Keep your academic goals high on your list of priorities. It’s
up to you to choose success. We hope these suggestions will give you

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 Some of Mercer’s Support Services
To Help You Succeed

Academic Support Services (FA129) can be contacted for general
help and information, or help with finding a study group at 609-586-4800 ext.
3422 or email, stinsona@mccc.edu. A detailed schedule listing our tutors’ areas
of expertise and hours is available as a handout. A schedule is also available at
http://www.mccc.edu/pdf/tutor_schedule_ww.pdf
Counseling Services (SC229, SC238), Kerney Campus (KC216)
provide professional counselors at both campuses to counsel you regarding your
personal, social, career and academic growth. They are well-trained and will do
whatever is necessary to ensure your success at Mercer. Counselors are available
day and evening hours.
English as a Second Language-ESL (SC252) students may use the
Writing Center for assistance in ESL courses. Students may also go to the Kerney
Campus (KC311) for assistance. Day and evening hours are available.
Kerney Learning Center (KC311), located on the third floor of
the James Kerney Campus, provides computer-assisted instruction, tutoring
and testing for courses in reading, writing and math. All credit students may
obtain assistance in using the computer system and receive individual tutoring
throughout the semester.
West Windsor Campus-Learning Center (FA129) offers tutoring in
all levels of reading, writing, and mathematics, plus chemistry, biology, physics,
accounting, economics and computer science. Specialized tutoring is also
available for introductory math and English courses. Tutoring at MCCC is free
and is on a “drop in” basis. No appointment is necessary.
Tutoring is individualized instruction in an academic subject that
supplements classroom instruction or lecture hall experience. Tutoring is an
integral part of the educational process. Working with a tutor does not have to be
viewed as something that occurs only when you are experiencing difficulty.
Tutoring is not a substitute for attending classes, taking class notes,
completing assignments or studying independently.

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 Library (WW) (JKC) MCCC’s libraries provide resources and staff to
support your academic needs. Included in the collection are over 60,000 books,
compact discs, newspapers, periodicals, audio and videocassettes. There are VCRs, a
tape duplication machine for copying foreign language tapes, graphic calculators, and
CD players to complement collection resources. Additionally, many instructors place
articles and supplemental readings on reserve at the circulation desk.
Remember that the library is an extension of your classroom. Library staff
works with faculty to make sure that you have access to the information you need to
thoroughly research a topic and improve your ability to make better grades.
There is also a 56-seat computer lab located in the library. (Temporarily
available in LA232 while the Library is under construction) A valid MCCC
identification card is required for admission. Policies and rules for using the lab
and accessing the Internet are available in the lab and must be read before using the
computers. Lab monitors are available to assist you with questions.
Programs for Academic Services and Success (PASS) (SC238) includes
the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) programs, the Student Support Services
(SSS) programs related to helping students adjust to college academically, socially and
Retention Services. Peer tutoring, mentoring, counseling and special workshops are
available.
Special Services (FA129) provides continuing support to students with
documented learning and physical disabilities. Various support services have been
established to assist students according to individual needs:
• Academic Accommodations
• Academic Advisement
• Professional Tutorial Support
• Assistive Technology
Students with special needs enrolled at the college can access services by:
• Self-identification: It is the responsibility of the student with a disability
to identify herself/himself to the Office of Special Services and to request
appropriate accommodations.
• Providing documentation: Eligibility for services and accommodations
for students with disabilities is based on the student providing appropriate
documentation. Documentation can include medical reports, learning and
psychological evaluations, or physical therapy evaluations. School IEPs
and transition plans are not documentation of a disability.
• Completing the intake packet: Available from the Office of Special
Services, this packet contains some of the necessary paperwork needed by
our office, including the Request for Academic Modifications.
Student Advocates are qualified counselors located in each academic division
to assist students in personal, career and academic matters. (see front of booklet)
Transfer & Career Services (SC229) provide service to students wishing
to transfer to other institutions of higher learning and services to students exploring
majors and careers. An appointment is necessary for individual counseling. Workshops
are provided throughout the year.

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 Learn About Mercer:
Read The College
Catalog
and The Student
Handbook
The College Catalog and the Student Handbook may be the most
valuable books on campus. In them you’ll find important information about:

s The Academic Calendar -- including dates for exams, registration,

and holidays or vacation periods.
s Rules and regulations of the college -- including what to do if you
need to withdraw from a class.
s Information about grades and staying in college.
s Requirements for each degree and certificate program.
s Course descriptions.
s Services that are available on campus and where to find them.
s Who’s Who on campus -- who you need to see for answers.

If you don’t have a catalog or a Student Handbook, stop in the

Admissions Office, 2nd floor, Student Center or the Information Desk, 1st floor,
Student Center. At the James Kerney Campus, pick up a copy at the Student
Services Office, room KC 218. Since these books are updated periodically, be
sure you have the latest edition. And be sure to read them! They may not be
the most exciting books you’ll read this year, but you’ll be glad you did.

For more information also check out

www.mccc.edu
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